How to Rid your Home of Earwigs

Earwigs may look ugly, but for the most part, they're harmless.

While earwigs might look kind of creepy, they are actually beneficial in the garden. They consume common pests such as aphids, snails and nighttime pests. But if they start trying to make their home in your house, it's time to take some action. You have a couple of simple courses of action you can take to rid them from your residence.

Things You'll Need

• Diatomaceous earth
• Insecticidal soap
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in places where you've seen earwig activity. Diatomaceous earth is a finely ground powder made from fossils that can pierce the body of earwigs and kill them through dehydration. You may have to make multiple applications.

2. Mix 1 tablespoon of isopropyl alcohol with a quart of insecticidal soap. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray it in infested areas. Reapply every couple of days for two weeks.

3. Clean up debris and excessive mulch around the exterior of your house. These are breeding grounds for earwigs, and eliminating those could help reduce their occurrence in your house.

References

• Planet Natural: Earwig Control
• Golden Harvest Organics: Natural Insect Control